Dominoes

Dominoes, originating in 12th-century China as ‘cousins’ of playing cards, were originally made of ivory and ebony. Their name is taken from the French word ’ domino ’, which describes a priest’s winter hood - black on the outside and white underneath. The markings on dominoes originally reflected the results of throwing two six-sided dice, with the addition of the “blank” combinations to complete the standard 28-tile set. The game became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries as freed Africans embraced it and made it their own. It is now played on almost every occasion, whether joyful or sombre, moving away from the quiet style of play seen in many parts of the world to become a high-energy, intense, and dramatic sport. Commonly seen are the triumphant "slamming" of the "bones" and loud shouts if a “6-love” is achieved, that is, when one player or team wins six consecutive games, and the opposing side wins zero.